James W Stevens

James is a trusted advisor to financial services providers such as banks, fintechs, and payments companies on a wide range of corporate and regulatory matters. Drawing from extensive experience with matters involving federal and state regulators, clients value his creative and practical approach.

James is the co-leader of the firm’s Financial Services Industry Group. He has significant experience working with clients across the entire financial services sector, regularly working with public and private companies such as banks, neobanks, marketplace lenders, and other fintech and financial services providers and partners.

James provides comprehensive corporate and regulatory advice to clients in connection with matters such as formation, licensing, mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and banking as a service (BAAS) and other program agreements. He also assists with employment agreements and short- and long-term incentive arrangements for executives, and often serves as the principal outside counsel for his clients. James is recognized for providing innovative structuring and documenting solutions to help his clients’ business arrangements comply with regulatory requirements.

Member and past chairman, Georgia Bankers Association Bank Counsel Section Board of Directors

Member, TAG FinTech Society Steering Committee

Member, CBA ATDC Committee

Advisory board member, Allied Financial Corporation

Past chairman, Empty Stocking Fund Board of Directors